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Edna Davies #2
Murder by Proxy
Rhode Islander Edna Davies is in Colorado when she is confronted by a private detective and challenged to find a missing woman. Anita Collier appears to be alive. Her paycheck is deposited, her bills are paid, her phone is answered; but closer inspection reveals everything is automated. Nobody has actually seen her for several weeks, except perhaps Edna's son, but he refuses to talk. In her search for the truth, Edna plunges deep into danger when she uncovers more than one murder and struggles to prevent another.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
Audiobook
First published February 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Young
11 books22 followersA writing career, in my opinion, springs from a love of words and of books. I’ve been an avid reader since about the time I could hold a book and a student of the English language since my earliest school days. I was the fourth of five children in my family and mostly ignored by my older siblings as the “pesky kid sister,” so I had plenty of solitary time to spend exploring people and places between the pages of any book I could get my hands on. My parents were both avid readers themselves, encouraging the same in all of us. We had an extensive home library that I could peruse whenever I couldn’t make it to the nearby local library.
Our weekends, summers and most school holidays were spent at a farm near Hope Valley, Rhode Island. The main house and outbuildings had originally been a stagecoach stop on the New London Turnpike, one of the first interstate highways in the country, built originally to link Providence and New London, Connecticut. In good weather, Mother would say, “It’s too nice a day to be inside. Go out and play.” Often, I’d take a book, find my favorite apple tree and read away the hours. Apple trees are wonderful places to hide out because you don’t have to climb down if you get hungry.
In middle school … known as “junior high” in my day … I was blessed with the most wonderful teacher for both English and History lessons. I credit Walter Blanchard for recognizing and encouraging the writer in me. He gave essay assignments to the class and selected students read their work aloud. I remember him praising one particular piece of mine as reminiscent of excerpts from “Life with Father.”
My love of Rhode Island and U.S. history came from several sources besides our old farm. Again, I am thankful for my middle school teacher who regaled his students with snippets of history that weren’t in our school books … at least not in the 1950’s … like the fact that George Washington had wooden false teeth. My father was another rich source of local history and my mother took us to many local places of interest, like Gilbert Stuart’s birthplace in Saunderstown. During the school year, we lived in an old house on Division Street, a road that divides the towns of Warwick and East Greenwich. The house was built in 1780 by Jeremiah Greene, a favorite uncle of Nathanael Greene, and served as both home and medical office. Although I didn’t appreciate its historic significance when growing up, I did know that the house was drafty with a spooky attic that smelled of dry, dusty wood and an unfinished cellar that always seemed humid and cold. If you’ve ever spent a night in a creaky old house with steam heat emitted through radiators, you can imagine “things that go bump in the night.”
I was in my thirties when I read my first Agatha Christie story and got hooked on the cozy mystery genre. By that time, I had moved to Colorado and, as fate would have it, unintentionally and unwittingly segued from a career in writing to one in computer technology. I began writing programs instead of newsletter articles, but my spare time was filled with mysteries and suspense. Shortly before I retired from the tech industry, I decided to try my hand at writing fiction in the genre I’d come to love and completely different from non-fiction and technical manuals.
I began my new career by taking short story classes and quickly learned that fiction isn’t as much about writing as about telling a story … or spinning a good yarn. Writing was the easy part; plotting a who-dun-it was the challenge.
I have just published my eighth book in the Edna Davies mystery series which is set in Rhode Island. I’ve been pleased to have my protagonist touted as a cross between Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher. My Colorado mystery, starring two elderly widows, may or may not be the beginning of another series. Time and my imagination will decide.
Our weekends, summers and most school holidays were spent at a farm near Hope Valley, Rhode Island. The main house and outbuildings had originally been a stagecoach stop on the New London Turnpike, one of the first interstate highways in the country, built originally to link Providence and New London, Connecticut. In good weather, Mother would say, “It’s too nice a day to be inside. Go out and play.” Often, I’d take a book, find my favorite apple tree and read away the hours. Apple trees are wonderful places to hide out because you don’t have to climb down if you get hungry.
In middle school … known as “junior high” in my day … I was blessed with the most wonderful teacher for both English and History lessons. I credit Walter Blanchard for recognizing and encouraging the writer in me. He gave essay assignments to the class and selected students read their work aloud. I remember him praising one particular piece of mine as reminiscent of excerpts from “Life with Father.”
My love of Rhode Island and U.S. history came from several sources besides our old farm. Again, I am thankful for my middle school teacher who regaled his students with snippets of history that weren’t in our school books … at least not in the 1950’s … like the fact that George Washington had wooden false teeth. My father was another rich source of local history and my mother took us to many local places of interest, like Gilbert Stuart’s birthplace in Saunderstown. During the school year, we lived in an old house on Division Street, a road that divides the towns of Warwick and East Greenwich. The house was built in 1780 by Jeremiah Greene, a favorite uncle of Nathanael Greene, and served as both home and medical office. Although I didn’t appreciate its historic significance when growing up, I did know that the house was drafty with a spooky attic that smelled of dry, dusty wood and an unfinished cellar that always seemed humid and cold. If you’ve ever spent a night in a creaky old house with steam heat emitted through radiators, you can imagine “things that go bump in the night.”
I was in my thirties when I read my first Agatha Christie story and got hooked on the cozy mystery genre. By that time, I had moved to Colorado and, as fate would have it, unintentionally and unwittingly segued from a career in writing to one in computer technology. I began writing programs instead of newsletter articles, but my spare time was filled with mysteries and suspense. Shortly before I retired from the tech industry, I decided to try my hand at writing fiction in the genre I’d come to love and completely different from non-fiction and technical manuals.
I began my new career by taking short story classes and quickly learned that fiction isn’t as much about writing as about telling a story … or spinning a good yarn. Writing was the easy part; plotting a who-dun-it was the challenge.
I have just published my eighth book in the Edna Davies mystery series which is set in Rhode Island. I’ve been pleased to have my protagonist touted as a cross between Miss Marple and Jessica Fletcher. My Colorado mystery, starring two elderly widows, may or may not be the beginning of another series. Time and my imagination will decide.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2022
My second book in this series.
Edna Davies makes a very interesting character as she calmly sets about investigating a case of a missing woman as though she is a private investigator herself! Working with Ernie Freedman who really is a PI she (accidentally) solves the case.
There is an exciting and happy ending. Of course, there is also a delightful dog who plays a big role in the story, and whose enthusiasm for Frisbees is just like my own dog's. I enjoyed the story and the Colorado mountain setting and plan to keep reading the series.
Edna Davies makes a very interesting character as she calmly sets about investigating a case of a missing woman as though she is a private investigator herself! Working with Ernie Freedman who really is a PI she (accidentally) solves the case.
There is an exciting and happy ending. Of course, there is also a delightful dog who plays a big role in the story, and whose enthusiasm for Frisbees is just like my own dog's. I enjoyed the story and the Colorado mountain setting and plan to keep reading the series.
November 9, 2012
This is the second book in the Edna Davies mystery series. I got the first one for free and fell in love with Edna who bumbles her way into a mystery.
Edna is staying with her son and new daughter-in-law. Karissa is expecting and having a difficult pregnancy, which is why Edna was asked to come to Colorado to be there in case Karissa needs anything during the day when Grant is at work. During her visit Edna attends a funeral with her son. She is approached by a private detective who is looking into the whereabouts of one of Grants friends. She finds it odd that Grant doesn't want to talk to the man, but every time she tries to get information from Grant he won't talk. Edna is approached again by the detective and he enlists her help to try and find out where Anita disappeared to and if she is still alive.
Edna is an endearing character and you can't help but root for her in her question for information. I also have the third in the series and look forward to diving in. Great series with a wonderfully developed main character.
Edna is staying with her son and new daughter-in-law. Karissa is expecting and having a difficult pregnancy, which is why Edna was asked to come to Colorado to be there in case Karissa needs anything during the day when Grant is at work. During her visit Edna attends a funeral with her son. She is approached by a private detective who is looking into the whereabouts of one of Grants friends. She finds it odd that Grant doesn't want to talk to the man, but every time she tries to get information from Grant he won't talk. Edna is approached again by the detective and he enlists her help to try and find out where Anita disappeared to and if she is still alive.
Edna is an endearing character and you can't help but root for her in her question for information. I also have the third in the series and look forward to diving in. Great series with a wonderfully developed main character.
February 20, 2012
Dear Ms. Suzanne Young,
This is the second Edna Davies mystery I 've read. I enjoy Edna although she does do some not-so-smart things, like trust a total stranger (and all that comes out of his mouth) rather than trust and respect her own son. I like her middle-aged-ness, and I like her logical thinking. But it is totally beyond me why a woman of Edna's intelligence would tolerate and accept the kind of male chauvinism she lives with. Her husband thinks she should be the wifey, motherly type who doesn't have the ability to think on her own. Two of her four children (caveat: I've only met the younger daughter and son) have learned how to treat their mother from their father. This is totally unacceptable. The male chauvinism in these books is out of the 1950s, and as someone who is more or less the same age as Edna, it is unbelievable to me that Edna, as intelligent as she is, would tolerate being treated like an idiot. Ms. Young, the story telling is actually quite good, but I must say farewell to Edna. Her world makes me cringe so we must part ways.
Best of luck to you,
Sophie
This is the second Edna Davies mystery I 've read. I enjoy Edna although she does do some not-so-smart things, like trust a total stranger (and all that comes out of his mouth) rather than trust and respect her own son. I like her middle-aged-ness, and I like her logical thinking. But it is totally beyond me why a woman of Edna's intelligence would tolerate and accept the kind of male chauvinism she lives with. Her husband thinks she should be the wifey, motherly type who doesn't have the ability to think on her own. Two of her four children (caveat: I've only met the younger daughter and son) have learned how to treat their mother from their father. This is totally unacceptable. The male chauvinism in these books is out of the 1950s, and as someone who is more or less the same age as Edna, it is unbelievable to me that Edna, as intelligent as she is, would tolerate being treated like an idiot. Ms. Young, the story telling is actually quite good, but I must say farewell to Edna. Her world makes me cringe so we must part ways.
Best of luck to you,
Sophie
Read
October 13, 2011This cozy mystery moves really fast. There are a lot of characters and ALL of them are potential suspects--which I love. Edna Davies is staying with her son to aid his new wife who is bed-ridden awaiting the birth of their baby. Edna gets embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of a woman from her son's office--and this death soon mushrooms to include several other suspicious deaths. Soon Edna meets a private detective who is investigating the possible murders and the duo traipse off together in search of answers. Needless to say, Edna's son is none to happy with his mother's sleuthing activities.
The characters in the book are all well drawn. Edna is totally sympathetic and appropriately feisty. The plot is complicated and twisty and doesn't get too violent (until right at the very end). So, for me, all of the qualifications of a good cozy are met. I will definitely read more of Edna's adventures--wherever they may take place!
The characters in the book are all well drawn. Edna is totally sympathetic and appropriately feisty. The plot is complicated and twisty and doesn't get too violent (until right at the very end). So, for me, all of the qualifications of a good cozy are met. I will definitely read more of Edna's adventures--wherever they may take place!
May 21, 2012
Edna Davies is an old-fashioned lady, a little timid, insecure and content to let others take the limelight. Until, that is, her curiosity and concern for the fate of a missing young woman rouses her Miss Marple instincts. Goaded on by fear that her son might be involved in the girl's disappearance, Edna tackles the problem with a stubborn tenacity that ends in a surprising and wonderfully chaotic climax.
I particularly enjoyed Edna's sweet, quiet way of defying her overprotective family to pursue a puzzle she felt needed to be solved. I was kept guessing, and picked the wrong perpetrator. I look forward to more of Edna's adventures.
I particularly enjoyed Edna's sweet, quiet way of defying her overprotective family to pursue a puzzle she felt needed to be solved. I was kept guessing, and picked the wrong perpetrator. I look forward to more of Edna's adventures.
May 22, 2011
I entered a first-read giveaway for Murder by Proxy and to my delight I was a first-read winner! Thanks Suzanne for personally authographing the book for me. Murder by Proxy is the second book involving the character of Edna Davies (now to find the first book!) as she becomes involved in the mysterious disappearance of Anita Collier. This book kept my attention throught the entire story wondering what was going to happen next. A great book!
May 21, 2012
Having read Ms. Young's first novel, Murder by Yew, I wanted to follow up on Edna's adventures in Murder by Proxy. Once again Edna is pulled into a mystery but this one hits a little close to home as her son has something to hide. Easy and enjoyable reading but I have to wonder, how much of Ms. Davis is Ms. Young and how much of Ms. Young is Ms. Davis?
August 8, 2019
Fun read
August 25, 2020
I find it extremely hard to believe that a 68 year old woman who lives in a US city of over 1 million people would have never eaten tacos and think that salsa is an exotic ingredient.
January 22, 2022
Anita Collier is missing.
She appears to be alive, as her bills are paid, albeit directly from her bank account. Her phone calls are answered but by voice mail. Actually, no one has seen her in weeks.
Grant Davies may have been the last person to speak with Anita Collier. But he isn't talking. Private Detective Ernie Freedman is convinced that Grant knows where Anita is. And Edna Davies, Grant's mother, doesn't; want to see him sent to jail for murder.
Ernie turns to Edna and challenges her to help find Anita. To save Grant from himself, if that means she must turn sleuth, well you do what is necessary.
A cozy mystery without the outlandish characters many authors have created to qualify as cozy eccentric or quirky characters.
She appears to be alive, as her bills are paid, albeit directly from her bank account. Her phone calls are answered but by voice mail. Actually, no one has seen her in weeks.
Grant Davies may have been the last person to speak with Anita Collier. But he isn't talking. Private Detective Ernie Freedman is convinced that Grant knows where Anita is. And Edna Davies, Grant's mother, doesn't; want to see him sent to jail for murder.
Ernie turns to Edna and challenges her to help find Anita. To save Grant from himself, if that means she must turn sleuth, well you do what is necessary.
A cozy mystery without the outlandish characters many authors have created to qualify as cozy eccentric or quirky characters.
February 2, 2011
Murder by Proxy is the second book in the series by Suzanne Young featuring the thoroughly lovable but inquisitive Edna Davies whose investigative nature always lands her in the middle of trouble. Suspicion and suspense surround her at every turn as Edna, once again, takes us on an exciting quest to find a killer; this time in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Colorado! Like its predecessor Murder by Yew, Proxy is every bit as engaging. Young is a natural at keeping the reader guessing and she does a superb job doing so right to the end.
In Murder by Proxy, Edna travels to Colorado where her youngest son and new daughter-in-law live. Edna, once again, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation, though at least this time she is not the prime suspect. When Edna is approached by Ernie, the PI on the case, he asks for her help in finding a missing co-worker and friend of Grant’s. Grant warns Edna not to get involved but true to Edna’s nature, she just can’t help herself.
Young keeps us guessing almost from the moment we begin reading. With multiple suspects, every one of them hiding something, and any number of skeletons in the closet, Young creates a page turning plot that is not easy to put down. Of course, it’s what the characters are not saying that is the most telling.
Young’s characters are well rounded and believable. Edna Davies is as endearing as she is curious which is probably why she finds herself in so many compromising and dangerous situations? The reader is bound to Edna through sheer loyalty for her cleverness and devotion for finding the truth. She’s the kind of grandmother you want to have around just for the excitement alone. Young’s male characters, whether good or bad, are rich in personality as well. Although, I find myself wondering if Edna and Albert will ever settle down to live out their retirement years with each other since they are never in the same state at the same time. Murder by Proxy is a five star read from beginning to end!
In Murder by Proxy, Edna travels to Colorado where her youngest son and new daughter-in-law live. Edna, once again, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation, though at least this time she is not the prime suspect. When Edna is approached by Ernie, the PI on the case, he asks for her help in finding a missing co-worker and friend of Grant’s. Grant warns Edna not to get involved but true to Edna’s nature, she just can’t help herself.
Young keeps us guessing almost from the moment we begin reading. With multiple suspects, every one of them hiding something, and any number of skeletons in the closet, Young creates a page turning plot that is not easy to put down. Of course, it’s what the characters are not saying that is the most telling.
Young’s characters are well rounded and believable. Edna Davies is as endearing as she is curious which is probably why she finds herself in so many compromising and dangerous situations? The reader is bound to Edna through sheer loyalty for her cleverness and devotion for finding the truth. She’s the kind of grandmother you want to have around just for the excitement alone. Young’s male characters, whether good or bad, are rich in personality as well. Although, I find myself wondering if Edna and Albert will ever settle down to live out their retirement years with each other since they are never in the same state at the same time. Murder by Proxy is a five star read from beginning to end!
December 4, 2012
This book is sort of a literary equivalent to the British Midsummer Murders TV series except it's set Colorado. By this I mean bodies appear frequently and unexpectedly. Are these deaths natural, or is foul play involved? In an interesting twist the person who painstakingly tries to find the answer, isn't a police officer, nor a tortured despotic genius, just an ordinary wife, mother and grandmother who unwittingly becomes involved in a search for a missing woman and possibly a killer or killers unknown – one of whom could be her own son. The plot moves along fairly quickly and soon it is as difficult for the reader to know who to trust, as it is for Edna. As in Midsummer Murders all is eventually explained. The denouement is cleverly done and believable. A few nice subplots keep the storyline moving and help to flesh out the protagonist by giving her character more depth.
If it's car chases and serial killers under the bed you like, then this may not be the novel for you, but for people who like this style of storytelling (crime solving by observation and conversation) I'd recommend you give it a try.
If it's car chases and serial killers under the bed you like, then this may not be the novel for you, but for people who like this style of storytelling (crime solving by observation and conversation) I'd recommend you give it a try.
April 11, 2013
Well, I continued reading Suzanne Young's Edna Davis mystery series AND I'M GLAD I DID!
For me, Suzanne hits just the right note for a cozy mystery. Yes, there is a murder, maybe more than one, but Ms. Young doesn't drown me in blood and the thoughts of a psychopathic killer.
I like a simple murder motivated by: greed, passion or revenge. I won't tell you which motive is the one that results in death in Murder by Proxy, but it is one of those classic three.
I really like Edna Davis, amateur sleuth, but she worried me by taking people at face value. Of course, that made me nervous and a murder mystery is supposed to make me nervous. I'm supposed to worry about Edna and I did.
I also liked the family relationships--but when will I meet Edna's husband Arthur?
I'm going on to read the 3rd one in this series MURDER BY MISHAP so I admit to being hooked.
Suzanne Young, GET BUSY WRITING. I'M GOING TO BE READY FOR another book from you soon!
For me, Suzanne hits just the right note for a cozy mystery. Yes, there is a murder, maybe more than one, but Ms. Young doesn't drown me in blood and the thoughts of a psychopathic killer.
I like a simple murder motivated by: greed, passion or revenge. I won't tell you which motive is the one that results in death in Murder by Proxy, but it is one of those classic three.
I really like Edna Davis, amateur sleuth, but she worried me by taking people at face value. Of course, that made me nervous and a murder mystery is supposed to make me nervous. I'm supposed to worry about Edna and I did.
I also liked the family relationships--but when will I meet Edna's husband Arthur?
I'm going on to read the 3rd one in this series MURDER BY MISHAP so I admit to being hooked.
Suzanne Young, GET BUSY WRITING. I'M GOING TO BE READY FOR another book from you soon!
August 9, 2016
Edna Davies is in Denver visiting her son, Grant, and his pregnant wife. She is asked to stay and help out when Karissa is relegated to bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy. After attending the funeral of one of her son's friends she is approached by a private detective looking for another of of Grant's friends who seems to have disappeared. He feels Grant knows where she is or can help but he won't. Edna begins asking questions and finds that several deaths may be linked. This cozy was charming and a little humorous. Will read more.
December 28, 2011
Edna heads to Colorado where she becomes embroiled in a missing woman mystery. Her son seems to know whats going on but where is the missing woman who stands to lose a fortune if she doesn't show up soon. Edna's snooping uncovers another murder and puts her own life and the lives of her loved ones at risk.
August 26, 2013
fun cozy mystery that picked up where MURDER BY YEW left off. Edna goes to son's home to help with his bedridden pregnant wife and young daughter. There she finds a woman who works with her son missing and several suspicious deaths, a strange little detective and a plot to gain control of a fortune. Enjoyed the plot and characters
July 31, 2015
Good vacation day read. Edna reminds me a bit of Miss Marple. I like that she is "older" and possesses the quirks all us older gals do. Her husband sounds like an old stick in the mud who doesn't want to stay home with her but certainly wants her to stay home. Can't wait to start book 3.
December 30, 2011
It is a cozy mystery - well written, well edited and fun characters. What else does one need on a rainy winter day? Enjoy.
Want to read
August 28, 2012$.99
September 2, 2013
I think this will be a great series! Melba Sibrel has Edna Davies to perfection.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews